In Reina's chamber, during a fresh evening, she picks up a quill.

  With careful motion, she writes into a book, the following words.

  Once again, a spectral scythe within the inky expanse above our minds casts long, skeletal fingers of light across this very chamber. Tonight, sleep, always a fickle mistress, eludes me once more.

  With this veil of worlds thinned gravely, so roughly frayed at its edges, it could not keep itself together any longer, tearing asunder.

  Now here I sit, adrift, with no tether to the mortal realm and my coil; all but pulled into a swirling, divine vortex.

  With my very eyes, I watched the descension of Enia. She came not in a form I could readily grasp, but moreso a sensation that sounded through my nerves, my body. It was akin to a feeling permeating my very being. My soul. Nothing of mana, nothing of magic.

  She was the only caress, one of twilight, that made me shiver in bliss, with her hushed stillness of all the ancient forests, with a quiet strength of roots that delved deep into the earth, into me.

  I would describe her presence as... sorrow. One so profound, so ancient, so old, that it resonated with my own heart's ache, my grief, for a world so fractured and grieving over its wounds.

  She desperately yearned, no, ached, for balance, and bled for the disruption of it.

  With her might, I assume the last she could muster for a while, I was shown glimpses; rather, fleeting images and visions that scattered by wind like leaves, of a world so vibrant and whole, teeming with life in equilibrium.

  Though, as life is, it then fractured, scarred, and was poisoned by the shadows that crept from its edges into existence, gnawing at the world's roots.

  Her voice, if voice it could be called, was like the sigh of the wind through a willow's branches, I daresay, a lament for what was lost, and at the same time, a plea for restoration.

  She asked nothing, for she could not demand. Neither has she told me of any notable sacrifices.. only, I wonder, she showed me the pain.. hers, I believe, the deep, gaping wound in the heart of the world, and in doing so, she most definitely planted a seed of resolve within my soul.

  One of care, one of inspiration.

  Suddenly, like a candle whose life extinguished in the winds of a cold, dead world, the light shifted.

  Twilight hues bled away, to be replaced by an even more blinding, incandescent radiance.

  Aria.

  And with a stark contrast to Enia's mournful, I daresay somber, presence; Aria.. showed life. Fire.

  To me, it seemed like one all-consuming, a zealous fiery torrent burning with righteous fury.

  Her presence was overwhelming; a raw show of power, threatening to consume me entirely.

  But she has not, and instead, spoke in pronouncements over and over; not whispers. Aria's voice, if it was hers, not her subject's, was the clang of a celestial bronze, the crackle of her holy flames.

  With that, she showed me many visions of corruption, festering darkness, anything that was consequence of Enia's false idolatry; as if she was a deceptive whisper to lead the world astray.

  The goddess, in her kindness, proceeded to denounce Enia as the source of all imbalance; the root of the shadows that dared, threatened, to encroach the world's roots; and there, she declared a crusade, her holy war to cleanse the world of all her insidious influence.

  With peace, she says, comes all we yearn and long for.

  Aria promptly demanded action, unwavering devotion to her cause, and in return, promised sweet and tempting salvation through her righteous conflict, the purging fire of her divine will.

  To that end, she offered power, dominion, to be the hand at her side in the coming conflict, if only we all were to pledge ourselves *fully* to her cause.

  Nay, I think, and never. I would not submit to one Goddess that so suspiciously demanded anything of me. Instead, the other, Enia, seemed to vent her woes, without asking me for anything.

  With a gasp, I awoke from these trials; my heart hammered against my ribs, and echoes of both divine encounters still resonated deeply within. Where Enia's sorrow took my empathy, Aria's fiery zeal concerned me greatly; she took my fear.

  Two gods, warring, with opposing visions shown to me, who both claimed truth and, directly or indirectly, sparred for my allegiance, tempted me.

  Right now, the world feels poised on a precipice, it is precariously balanced between evil and good.

  How am I... caught in the crosscurrents, torn between quiet earth's sorrow, and the heaven's blinding fire?

  Which path is the righteous, correct one? The one that leads me, and those I dearly hold at heart, to safety and happiness?

  Which voice speaks truth?

  These questions claw at my mind, leaving me but drifting through the sea of uncertainty.

  For now, let sleep take me.

  Reina traced the worn leather of her diary, phantom echoes of divine voices still reverberating in her thoughts. With her eyes closed, memories quietly unfurled into a tapestry made of threads of desperation, fervent belief, that led to the genesis of her involvement with the clandestine group she only knows as the *"Eyes of the Beast"*.

  It had begun subtly, insidiously, similar to a creeping vine that tightened its grip.

  Whispers in the shadows, hushed conversations in corners dimly lit, and all those shared anxieties and fears about growing unrest; there were unsettling whispers of pagan magic stirring the country.

  As Aria's Church, ever so vigilant, was quick to identify the source of this unease but mask it deceptively, they claimed there to be a corrupting force, one so seductive to whisper into the hearts of naive souls, to be led astray, and to weaken the bulwark against the demonic cause.

  Reina, burdened already by the weight of leadership, juggled constant responsibility for Silvale, and the Great Forest, and so she was cautious of the Church's pronouncements. Firsthand had she witnessed the unsettling surge of chaos, all those strange occurrences that defied mortal, rational explanation, and noticed the growing unease in the hearts of the populace, especially the beastkin, and deshuman population.

  Aria's explanation, though stark and uncompromising, offered framework, purpose, and direction in the face of mounting chaos.

  And so, the "Eyes of the Beast" had formed to present themselves as a solution, one council clandestine of influential lords of the underworld, and rich nobles that mingled with the lesser human species. It was filled with leaders of all the crime syndicates, typically forced into their occupation due to their race, and resistance leaders, all those that wished to fight against the Church's hatred and claim of inferiority tagged onto lesser human species.

  But even this Council, which would be called righteous by anyone of sane mind, was strangely misled. They, in core belief, thought the enemy to be the church, but first and foremost, Enia.

  To them, Aria painted a different picture; how Enia was the great devourer, the soulless devil's incarnation that will eat the world and consume it wholly; then, the churches are all led by false zealots, that need to be purged.

  However, for many of the members and leaders, their sole goal was the abolition of deshuman-inferiority, putting them on the same pedestal as standard humans.

  Reina, now driven by her confusion, though a fierce desire to protect her loved ones and people, wished to restore order and stability to a world clearly spiralling into disarray. She allowed herself to be drawn into their fold, and she had believed, even for a while, with conviction, that she was fighting all for the greater good, the salvation of silvale, and for the triumph of divine order over chaos.

  In time, doubt grew like a seed within her mind. Aria's fiery speech resonated with her anxieties, yes, but it was.. weird, off. Her own yearning for decisive action in the face of all this uncertainty should not be swayed by a crude, mocking goddess.

  With her doubts, Reina also cautiously studied all the mentions of Enia, as there were barely any, while investigating the Council, who she was now a high member of. While she outwardly pledged her allegiance, used some resources, and commitment to the cause, she stopped believing the ploy, that any of them were battling a deceptive, insidious darkness, or chaos.

  It felt, to her, like they were feeding it, instead. Puppets played during a play; that was it.

  With no side to be on, the Baroness decided to watch the Council, to keep a neutral stance, and possibly dismantle this organization for good.

  Lately, there have been... *concerning* developments brought up during their meetings.

  Meeting chamber of the *Eyes of the Beast*

  -Reina

  The flickering cnadlelight in the clandestine meeting room cast dancing shadows on the faces gathered around the heavy, oaken table. Air was thick and pregnant with hushed whispers and an undercurrent of anticipation.

  I sat at my designated place, wearing a heavy, black robe of wool. Behind me, barely taller than my distinguished self while sitting, was a hooded figure of thin stature. Erica.

  She was a silent, watchful presence; with her gaze sharp and assessing, the girl missed absolutely nothing.

  Dimly lit, all the faces around the table were obscured in partial shadow, adding to the air of secrecy and their hidden purpose.

  Attending were many of the important figures that frequented the underworld.

  I could recognise readily, among them, the presence of the Vampire Monarch Zey-Drakra, the Dwarven Smith-King Deac Fer'ium, the Lion King, lord of the beastkin clan alliance, Vorath Aslan, and the Fairy Queen, Seelie Hegelianth.

  One of the most vocal, the Lion King presided over the meeting. The room, dark and hidden, was filled with murmur and anticipation.

  "Brothers, Sisters", he cleared his throat, similar to a lion's roar, "we gather here at a pivotal juncture. It has become much clearer, due to recent events, that the Church of Aria, the Tyrians, are making their move. We do not know the extent and reaches of their plans, but they will, sooner or later, involve the decimation of our kinds as well."

  Turning to face each of us, he stated, calmly, "Our initial assessment.. greatly underestimated them, however. Also... the information merchant, Lisette, has provided to us costly knowledge. Soon, we might face the re-emergence of Gaia."

  A ripple of unease moved through the assembled figures. Face flushed with indignation, Drakra slammed his pale fist on the wooden table, echoing earlier meetings' kerfuffles. "Impossible! She cannot interfere in the world of mortals!", he shouted in anger, masking his anxious demeanor. "Rumors, the lot of them! I doubt their veracity, as much."

  My expression carefully composed, I found within myself inner turmoil; nay, a tempest raging beneath a placid surface. All this fervent zealotry, in Drakra's eyes of all things, made me wonder.

  Is he just.. playing a role? Though the conviction he carries would not betray his motive, the exaggeration is.. over the top.

  However, next to him, the Dwarven King seems to agree, with subtle nods of agreement also shared by the Lion King himself.

  "Myself, I have qualms about operating according to baseless rumors..", he said, in contemplation, "though I say, we keep it in mind. Our goal, for now, will be dismantling the Church's influence first."

  In the eyes of those present, he found allies for his cause. That, alone, would be enough; They rallied against a common foe, the Tyrians of Rans, and their zealotry for Aria.

  What they carried in their hearts against deshumans like them, these leading figures of their species held, as contempt, just as much for humans. Every single one, except for Erica and myself, seemed to hold a grudge against humanity.

  This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

  Who could blame them, though? What have they done but plunder their villages, destroy their civilizations, their kingdoms, and enslave their kin?

  Just like me, who was once an elven priestess, a high elf, and then became slave, just to be freed by the Queen herself. It was a raid on a black market, at night, that I had a fateful encounter.

  Really, it was luck. For me, a lesser species to her, to be freed and given the chance to serve her, I was.. blessed. This became a defining moment for me; and from then on out, my hate for humans softened, until it turned into wariness, to care, and a realization.

  Not every human is evil, egotistical, brutal or a supremacist - many are kind, caring, and even self-less. So, as I listened and attended the meetings here, a seed of doubt was planted in my mind, and it grew with my encounters of the divine. Quickly, it spouted in fertile ground, taking root in my mind.

  That... I need to sabotage this organization's actions, or else... something horrible might happen.

  And it all culminated in this meeting.

  I quietly glanced at Erica, while listening to Drakra and the Smith-King ramble and argue; ocassionally, Seelie butted in to be a voice of reason, though she was drowned out by the Lion King joining in. To the child I took with me, silent communication passed between us. Her gaze was fixed, not on the ones speaking, but the faces of all those assembled here; and sharply she assessed and catalogued the single last nuance of their expressions and gestures.

  -Erica

  In silence, I stood beside the Baroness, senses heightened to a maximum. My gaze then swept across the faces sat around the table.

  With how thick the air in the chamber felt, fervent energy, bordering on fanaticism, filled it.

  I observed the subtle tightening of lips, gleam in their eyes, and the almost imperceptible tremors in the hands, clenched too tightly around goblets of wine.

  All of them were powerful, influential individuals, figures in Silvale and beyond that could move mountains, if they so wished; yet, right here and now, I felt some kind of disturbing rigidity to their convictions and ideas, a lack of nuance in their speech and discussion, setting my teeth on edge.

  What I felt, however, was not contempt or anger, but protective instinct rising within myself, fiercely, towards the Baroness.

  Recently, the Baroness has tasked me with shadowing a person I find.. myself attracted towards. She is called Ophilanna, working under Lisette, the information broker the Lion King mentioned.

  Perhaps... she is related to Gaia, somehow?

  As I did not find it in myself to breathe and relax, my hand never really strayed far from the hilt of the blade hidden beneath my cloak. I was, if anything, ready to defend the Baroness from any threat, real or imagined.

  -Reina

  Afterwards, my attention returned to the discussion, when I forced down, or attempted to drown out, a rising tide of unease.

  The Lion King began talking about an *attack*, however, there was no further specification yet. What he gave, however, was merely a rough outline for a battle strategy, one that would force Silvale to listen.

  First, the Eyes of the Beast will try to destabilise the Tyrians; to that end, they planned, a terrorist attack and bank robbery would do wonders, especially if they targeted the sacred treasury.

  "We must adapt our approach, brothers and sisters. Direct confrontation would never, at this juncture, lead to victory. It would simply be... imprudent. We cannot allow ourselves to be caught", the Lion King stated. Drakra finished his sentence quickly. "Then, we have to strike from where the sun does not shine.."

  A subtle nod to indicate agreement, the Dwarven King joined. "To make it hurt, why not rob the Tyrian's sacred treasury? One or two of their holy artifacts.. would surely hurt, nay? What say ye bunch?"

  With a conspiring grin, he chugged his wine, exhaling with a sigh.

  "Indeed", Aslan said, "that would be one plan. However...", the Lion King trailed off, his gaze wandering over those present at the table, "what if we, simultaneously, planned an attack on their council's palace? It would divert their forces, giving us ample time to escape."

  He paused, pursing his lips and averting his eyes from me, shaking an ounce of suspicion due to my silence. I could only agree, since it would be in Silvale's best interest for the Tyrians, the Empire of Rans, to be weakened like so.

  While nobody, except for Erica, knew about my proximity to the Queen, I could not shake the feeling he caught on. As such, I nodded without saying as much as a word.

  My mind raced; soon, a new strategy formed and began to coalesce in my thoughts.

  With the dreams, the visions, and the invitations of both gods I saw, there were many unexpected developments I had to attend to, now. Soon, Silvale, just like the entire central continent, will be shaken in a contest for power and influence.

  I fear and see nothing good to come of this. Though, as soon as it started, the meeting ended, with rough plans in the making and nothing concrete, when all was said and done.

  Before we left, however, Seelie flew by my shoulder, whispering something into my ear,

  "Meet me in three days' time, spawn of Soriam."

  Perplexed by how she caught on, I turned to face her. Famed for her speed of flight, though, the queen of fairies had already left, just like the wind. From a corner, I spied the Lion's eyes on us, though left it be and departed with Erica in tow.

  In the Baroness' office, with Ophilanna, Reina, Erica.

  Two days later, Ophilanna stood before the imposing desk in the Baroness' private office.

  Sunlight really streamed through the tall windows, illuminating every part of the room's austere elegance; be it the polished wood, meticulously arranged scrolls, books and maps, or the air of quiet authority permeating just about every surface and corner, it was... commanding.

  The Baroness sat behind the desk, wielding composed expression, that, however, betrayed gentle warmth and it softened her usually stern features, while she gazed at Ophilanna.

  "Fia.. there you are. Please, sit." Reina gestured towards a plush armchair positioned in front of the desk. "Erica, you too."

  Erica, much like Ophilanna, settled into the offered seats, nervous flutters in their stomachs.

  The summons to her office, after Lisette's sudden visit and the cryptic message from the maid, as well as Mena's behaviour, seemed rather suspicious. It felt significant, and laden with unspoken implication.

  "I... wanted to speak with you, Fia," the Baroness began, voice softening and taking on a more intimate tone. "Well.. it's.. to do with your future. Here, and there. I want to talk to you about the path.. that seems to be unfolding before you."

  She paused, her gaze searching for Ophilanna's face, assessing her reaction in time. "The Queen's pronouncement, the title of Prophetess you carry.. all of these mean tremendous honour, but also incredible responsibility."

  Ophilanna nodded slowly, with her heart pounding through her chest.

  "I.. understand, mother. Yes.. I feel it, the weight of it, and it feels quite.. overwhelming sometimes, if I can put it that way."

  Reina seemed to wear a gentle smile, one rare though with comforting expression.

  "Indeed, and that weight you carry will only grow, child. The world is much a turbulent one, dear. While forces stir, shadows lengthen, and coagulate into darkness that spreads. Right now, Silvale.. needs guidance. and you, darling, as it seems, are destined to provide." She leaned forward, her gaze more intense, affixed to the child she adopted, and voice becoming a near whisper.

  "So.. to fulfill this destiny, Fia, you will need.. knowledge, training.. and someone to guide you along your path. You must seek understand, and to hone your skills beyond even what we have been able to impart to you, here. In short..."

  Ophilanna listened intently, with breath held captive in her lungs. As the Baroness continued, her words carefully chosen, and each syllable pregnant with much meaning that even surpassed the young girl's capacity, she nodded.

  "There is a place, my child, that can.. fulfill those needs, I am sure. Asrius Academy.", she cleared her throat, "It is.. the most prestigious institution of learning in the entire country, nay, the central continent. Perhaps in the known world, apart from the Arcane Archives in the east. It is not just a mere repository of wisdom, ancient and modern, but a crucible where potential and talent are forged into power, channelled and.. where people are made. I believe, truly, that you should.. attend, Fia. If anything, to hone your abilities further, to deepen your understanding of the arcane science, and of the world. To forge your destiny, yourself."

  The child's eyes widened, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation clearly escaping the swirl in them. It was her entire dream, ever since she was rescued by Lisette, to learn magic and attend this academy. Where she heard of whispers from its legendary halls, she dreamt of visiting the vast libraries, to meet the academy's renowned scholars.

  The prospect of studying there... immersing herself in such wealth of knowledge, was exhilarating.. but rather daunting.

  For one, would a girl like her even fit? What of Mena, her teacher? Erica? Would she have to leave the mansion, too?

  "Mother... are you.. are you serious? Do you really.. think I should go..?", she stammered, barely daring to believe it. "What about teacher? Erica? Do I have to leave the mansion?"

  The Baroness, swift in her understanding of the girl's mind, wielded a gaze unwavering, much like something set in stone.

  "I do think that way, child. It is the best path for you, and the most.. expedient way to prepare you, for what will lie ahead of you." Then, she paused, with a subtle shift in her expression, hinting at something hidden beneath the surface of her rather carefully chosen words.

  "Moreover", Reina attempted to defuse the girl's worries, "your teacher, Miss Mena, has run out of things to teach you. Regarding that, she will embark on an adventure soon, and you are free to request another teacher for the time being. When attending, you will be able to return to this mansion during vacation.. but otherwise, if my memory serves me, students are required to be on campus. It is not far, however, so visits are always possible. Regarding Erica, I have good news. She will be enrolled together with you, if you wish. It is not just an academy for magic, but for the art of swordsmanship as well, and she *is* your personal guard and knight, after all." A little blush betrayed the stoic Erica in response, both of them nodded.

  "So.. while you are there, I will entrust you with a very delicate task. It is a matter of.. utmost secrecy and importance, child. One that aligns with your destiny, as Gaia's Prophetess indeed."

  Ophilanna leaned forward, her curiosity piqued, and her apprehension was momentarily eclipsed by this instilled sense of purpose. "A task, mother? What kind?"

  The lady's gaze slightly darkened, and her voice dropped further, now barely audible above gentle wind's rustling outside the windows. "There are... dangerous forces at play in this world, children. Shadows that seek to manipulate, that covet and wish to destroy... to undermine the very foundations of our realm. What's worse... there are many factions warring to come out on top. Please, I beseech you two, to look out for them... one, you have encountered previously, the Tyrian Church. Beware of Aria, and her zealots; furthermore, look out when approached by anyone associating with the group named *Eyes of the Beast*. I have been infiltrating them for a while, as Erica can testify.. and they are dangerous. Neither of those two serve any of our interests, and as such, they are classified dangers to everything we stand for. Please, watch out."

  Affixed to Ophilanna with an intense stare, she launched into a plea. "I need you, my child, to be eyes and ears in Asrius' Academy. There is nothing much you have to go out of your way for, but observe, learn, and... subtly work against their influence, should the opportunity arise. Protect Silvale from their.. misguided machinations. Do so in utmost secrecy, Fia.. So that not even the Queen will know of your task. Can you..", she cleared her throat, "Can you do this for me, children? Undertake such a.. burden?"

  The young girl's heart throbbed with anticipation, as the weight of her mother's request settled heavily upon her shoulders.

  It is a secret mission, to be working against a shadowy organization, all while navigating the intricacies and daunting halls of the Asrius Academy? Grappling with her newfound identity as Gaia's Prophetess?

  Who was she even kidding.. it was a monumental undertaking to be asking a child, far beyond anything she could ever imagine. Yet... when looking into her adoptive mother's earnest, imploring eyes, she was seeing the weight of responsibility that was etched upon her face, too, and then, Ophilanna really felt a surge of resolve tickle in her heart, something that was akin to quiet determination, hardening within her.

  "... yes, mother.", she steeled herself, firm voice, barely wavering despite the tremor of apprehension she carried in her heart. "I shall do it.. and I will not fail you. Thank you.. for entrusting it to me."

  With a heavy sigh of relief, Reina nodded, and this relief flickered across her features. "Good.. very good. The next semester at Asrius begins in three months.. well, four. I will have you enrolled, together with Erica, as soon as it starts. You can relax until then, and I would ask you to prepare", Reina continued with a subtle shift in her tone, "yourself.. for it will be quite different from what you have here, now. As I mentioned already, Miss Mena cannot continue your training, as she is elsewhere in a month.. in the interim, I could search for a teacher to help?"

  Her gaze searched for Ophilanna's, ending on another question. "Or.. you could study independently, to delve into the gift given to you by Her Majesty. Studying by yourself, or learning how to, will be a great skill to have."

  She quietly considered for a moment, as her gaze drifted towards the ancient tome resting in her room; with its precious, pretty gemstone that pulsated in a soft, inviting light. The prospect of further studying and immersing herself in its secrets, unraveling the wisdom within, was, undeniably, alluring.

  "I... think I would prefer independent self-study, mother", she said, voice gaining confidence, "and learn from Der ?ther, if that is acceptable. Furthermore... I will not go without Erica here."

  She wrapped her arm around Erica, making her friend blush.

  With a knowing smile, Reina replied, wearing an almost conspiratorial curve on her lips.

  "Perfectly acceptable, my daughter. In fact, I believe, you should work on it. It will be your closest and most intimate teacher, unlike any other. Then, be off, you two. Thank you for listening."

  Then, she rose from her desk, gaze becoming distant, as if almost lost in thought. She turned her gaze towards the window and beyond, silhouette framed against a pale, wintery sky.

  "Four more months... hm?", she murmured, barely audible were her words that hung in the air, silently anticipating what would yet realise itself.